7/150: In the dead of Winter snow fleas emerge

Hypogastrura tooliki (Toolik Snow Flea) is part of a group of animals known as snow fleas. These tiny creatures are not fleas at all, they are Collembola or springtails. They use a furcula, a hinge like apparatus to fling themselves into the air, reminding us of jumping fleas. Snow fleas are not affected by the cold as they produce their own anti-freeze, a protein containing glycine, which allows them to be active in the winter. You can usually spot them on sunny winter days around the bases of trees. They are an important part of the soil ecosystem, eating detritus such as fungus and decaying plant material that helps with nutrient recycling. 380 specimens of the genus Hypogastrura have been barcoded so far. #Canada150 #Biodiversity150

6/150: Yellow cedars get cold feet

6/150: Yellow cedars get cold feet

One of the oldest known trees in Canada is a Yellow Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), and its estimated age is over 1800 years! Unfortunately the tree was discovered after having been cut down in a clear cut operation in 1980. The species is named after First Nations Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) tribe of Vancouver Island where it was first recorded, however it can be found all along the west coast of North America from Northern California to Alaska. The tree can grow to over 40 meters and is highly valued for its rot-resistant and uniform timber and had many uses in Aboriginal culture. In recent years, C. nootkatensis have been dying out on a large scale raising concern. Scientists have determined this is a result of root freezing which eventually causes the entire tree to die. The shallow root system is usually protected by snow which acts as an insulator but due to recent reductions in snow levels the roots are vulnerable to freezing. Efforts are now being made to conserve this culturally and economically important tree in a changing climate. #Canada150 #Biodiversity150